I built my first kit—a Ringmaster Control Line model—in 1958. It was ugly, but it flew, and I was hooked. After a long hiatus for military service, four more years of school, marriage, raising kids, and a career, I returned to the hobby around 2001. I no longer fly Control Line, but with more than 70 RC models, it's fair to say I'm still hooked.
For the past 10 years, I've been a flight instructor, and teaching has become a true passion. In addition to serving as Chief Flight Instructor for our club, I teach model aviation classes for public and private schools in our area. I've also developed a free, half-day RC Ground School and Safety Class, which I offer three to four times a year in a classroom setting, usually attended by 12 to 15 new pilots.
Topics include FAA regulations and how they affect our hobby; the importance of supporting AMA; basic model-building techniques; the difference between an assembled and an airworthy model; proper flightline safety and communication; the AMA Safety Code; and other model aviation-related topics.
Over the past decade, I've recruited and trained approximately 250 new students, most of whom have joined AMA, and many of whom have become members of our club. I believe my small contribution to the model aviation hobby is the best thing I could leave behind for future generations to enjoy and keep the hobby alive!
